Notes

Abstract:

An exploratory study of a gay Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group was conducted in an effort to discover possible socio-cultural variables within a particular AA special interest group. Previous research had failed to address these aspects of gay AA groups in favor of focusing on their efficacy as treatment programs. Observational research of meetings was undertaken and semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight gay and lesbian members of the group. This study investigated the relationship between two group identity attachments, specifically the relative importance members placed on their gay identity vs. their identity as AA members. Both identity categories involve a discourse that describes its group members as separate and unique from other groups. Both gay identity and AA identity are constructed when members attach a personal meaning to this discourse. The data suggests that gay identity and AA identity are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For some members, it was impossible to separate the construction of gay identity from the construction of AA identity. However, the data also shows that the blending of both identity categories was only one end of a continuum. Other participants descriptions ranged from an occasional, symbiotic relationship between gay identity and AA identity to experiencing the two identity categories as independent from each other.

Statement of Responsibility:

by Dana Muvceski

Thesis:

Thesis (B.A.) -- New College of Florida, 2004

Electronic Access:

RESTRICTED TO NCF STUDENTS, STAFF, FACULTY, AND ON-CAMPUS USE

Bibliography:

Includes bibliographical references.

Source of Description:

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

Notes

Abstract:

An exploratory study of a gay Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group was conducted in an effort to discover possible socio-cultural variables within a particular AA special interest group. Previous research had failed to address these aspects of gay AA groups in favor of focusing on their efficacy as treatment programs. Observational research of meetings was undertaken and semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight gay and lesbian members of the group. This study investigated the relationship between two group identity attachments, specifically the relative importance members placed on their gay identity vs. their identity as AA members. Both identity categories involve a discourse that describes its group members as separate and unique from other groups. Both gay identity and AA identity are constructed when members attach a personal meaning to this discourse. The data suggests that gay identity and AA identity are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For some members, it was impossible to separate the construction of gay identity from the construction of AA identity. However, the data also shows that the blending of both identity categories was only one end of a continuum. Other participants descriptions ranged from an occasional, symbiotic relationship between gay identity and AA identity to experiencing the two identity categories as independent from each other.

Statement of Responsibility:

by Dana Muvceski

Thesis:

Thesis (B.A.) -- New College of Florida, 2004

Electronic Access:

RESTRICTED TO NCF STUDENTS, STAFF, FACULTY, AND ON-CAMPUS USE

Bibliography:

Includes bibliographical references.

Source of Description:

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.